Connecticut Sun waive Hailey Van Lith, add Leïla Lacan

The Connecticut Sun waived guard Hailey Van Lith on Thursday, a surprising move that has drawn widespread criticism from fans and observers. The decision came as the team activated French guard Leïla Lacan, who had been on a contract suspension while playing overseas.

Van Lith, 24, was claimed by the Sun off waivers earlier this month after being released by the Chicago Sky, who drafted her 11th overall in 2025. In nine games with Connecticut, she averaged 8.1 points and 2.2 assists while shooting an impressive 47.1 percent from three-point range. This marked a significant improvement from her rookie season with Chicago, where she averaged 3.5 points in 29 games.

Her release was made to activate Lacan, the Sun's first-round pick in 2024. Lacan, who will turn 22 next week, is returning to the U.S. after leading her French club, Basket Landes, to a domestic league championship, where she was named Finals MVP. She also won a silver medal with France at the Paris Olympics. In her rookie season with Connecticut in 2024, Lacan averaged 10.4 points and 3.7 assists and was selected to the Associated Press All-Rookie team. She is expected to make her season debut on Saturday.